Japan is famous for turning everyday office supplies into clever, thoughtfully designed tools, and the latest Japanese Stationery Awards once again highlight that reputation. From portable clipboards to compact scissors and ergonomically designed erasers, this year’s winning products focus on making daily tasks simpler and more convenient.
While many innovative products were recognized, these three stood out for their practical designs and unique features. Here’s a closer look at the highlights, along with this year’s Grand Award winner.
Grand Award Winner: Maruman Spiral Note Basic
Taking home the Japanese Stationery Awards Grand Award is the Maruman Spiral Note Basic. Known for its simple yet reliable design, the notebook impressed judges with its balance of quality, functionality, and everyday usability. It demonstrates how even a classic notebook can be refined through thoughtful craftsmanship.
1. Lihit Lab Mutual Two-Fold Clipboard
One of the most practical winners is the Mutual Two-Fold Clipboard from Lihit Lab.
Unlike a traditional clipboard, this version folds neatly in half, making it much easier to carry in a backpack, tote bag, or briefcase. Users simply slide, fold, and secure it with an elastic band for compact storage.
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The clipboard also includes thoughtful details that improve usability. The clip stays open while inserting paper, making it easier to organize documents, while built-in pockets help keep pages securely in place during use.
For students, professionals, or anyone frequently working on the go, the foldable design offers a convenient alternative to bulky clipboards.
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2. Sunstar Stickos Mauno
Sunstar’s Stickos Mauno is another example of Japanese stationery creativity.
At first glance, it appears to be a compact pair of portable scissors. However, it also includes integrated tweezers, creating a versatile two-in-one tool that’s especially useful for sticker enthusiasts and crafters.
Its release comes at an ideal time as Japan continues to experience a strong sticker and journaling trend. The combination of scissors and tweezers makes it easier to cut, position, and apply stickers with greater precision.
The compact design also makes it easy to carry in a pencil case or planner pouch.
3. Kokuyo Campus Eraser
Kokuyo earned recognition for rethinking one of the simplest school supplies: the eraser.
The Campus Eraser features an unusual parallelogram shape rather than the traditional rectangle. According to Kokuyo, the design is based on research into how people naturally grip an eraser, making it more comfortable and easier to control during use.
While the change may seem subtle, it reflects the Japanese approach to product design—improving even familiar everyday items through careful research and user-focused innovation.
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Why These Awards Matter
The Japanese Stationery Awards celebrate products that combine practicality, innovation, and thoughtful design. Rather than introducing flashy gadgets, many of the winners focus on solving small everyday problems through simple but effective improvements.
Whether it’s a clipboard that’s easier to carry, scissors that double as tweezers, or an eraser shaped for a better grip, these products demonstrate why Japanese stationery continues to earn a loyal following around the world.
As new products continue to emerge each year, the awards remain a showcase for the creativity and attention to detail that define Japan’s stationery industry.
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